ALTARE DI PERGAMO

Rebecca Rozza

6 Apr 202015:00

Summary

TLDRThe video explores Hellenistic art, focusing on key cultural and architectural transformations in cities like Pergamon. It highlights famous works such as the Pergamon Altar, its historical context, and its role in celebrating victories over the Galatians. The lecture also examines the monumental architecture and the emotional, dynamic elements in Hellenistic sculpture, including the use of high-relief techniques. The presenter discusses the blend of classical Greek influences with new, more expressive artistic freedoms, offering insights into how the art of this period was designed to evoke strong emotional engagement from viewers.

Takeaways

🏛️ The script discusses the Hellenistic period in art, focusing on significant architectural and sculptural works that emerged during this time.
🌐 It highlights the transformation of cities like Pergamon, which became rich in monumental architecture, reflecting the broader changes in Greek cities and their territories.
🏛️ The Altar of Pergamon is a key artwork mentioned, built to celebrate the victory over the Galatians, a Celtic people, and is now housed in the Pergamon Museum in Berlin.
🎨 The script describes the artistic style of the Hellenistic period as dynamic, with a strong emphasis on movement and emotion, which is evident in the detailed carvings of the Altar of Pergamon.
🗿 The Gigantomachy, or the battle between gods and giants, is a central theme in the frieze of the Altar of Pergamon, symbolizing the victory of good over evil and civilization over barbarism.
🏗️ The architectural design of the Altar of Pergamon includes a double portico with an inner and outer colonnade, showcasing the grandeur of Hellenistic architecture.
🗺️ The script mentions the 'Great Frieze' and the 'Lesser Frieze', which are significant parts of the Altar's decoration, depicting mythological battles and the life of Telephus, the mythical founder of Pergamon.
🎭 The script emphasizes the emotional and physical engagement of the viewer with the artwork, suggesting that Hellenistic art aimed to involve the audience more deeply than classical art.
🖌️ The artistic techniques of the period, such as the use of high relief and the depiction of movement in clothing, are discussed as ways to enhance the dynamic quality of the sculptures.
🌈 The script also notes that while Hellenistic art is distinct, it continues the classical tradition and explores new subject matter and expressive needs.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the script's discussion on Hellenistic art?
-The script focuses on the detailed examination of significant works of Hellenistic art, particularly famous pieces, and the renowned schools of art, starting with the city of Pergamon.
How did the city of Pergamon develop during the Hellenistic period?
-Pergamon developed into a wealthy and splendid city with important architecture, expanding over terraces and acquiring a scenic appearance with the construction of monumental buildings like the acropolis.
What is the significance of the Altar of Pergamon in the context of the script?
-The Altar of Pergamon is significant as it was constructed to celebrate the victory over the Galatians, a Celtic population, and it represents the triumph of civilization over barbarism.
Where is the Altar of Pergamon currently located?
-The Altar of Pergamon is currently housed in the Pergamon Museum in Berlin, after being reconstructed there due to the 19th-century competition for ancient artifacts among European states.
What are the two friezes depicted on the Altar of Pergamon?
-The two friezes on the Altar of Pergamon are the Great Frieze, which depicts the Gigantomachy, and the Lesser Frieze, which shows episodes from the life of Telephus, the mythical founder of the city.
What artistic techniques are highlighted in the description of the Great Frieze on the Altar of Pergamon?
-The Great Frieze is characterized by dynamic lines, strong movement in the figures' drapery, and high relief sculpture that gives a sense of physicality and emotion, with figures almost in the round.
How does the script describe the development of cities during the Hellenistic period?
-The script describes the development of cities as a transformation from autonomous small city-states to Hellenistic cities with large central spaces, monumental buildings, and an increase in public structures like theaters and libraries.
What is the connection between the construction of the Altar of Pergamon and the historical events it commemorates?
-The Altar of Pergamon was constructed to commemorate the victory of Pergamon over the Galatians, symbolizing the triumph of civilization and the establishment of the city's power and cultural identity.
How does the script discuss the continuity between Hellenistic art and classical art?
-The script emphasizes that Hellenistic art is not a complete break from classical art but rather a continuation that allows for more freedom in artistic expression, exploring new subjects and representations while building upon classical techniques.
What is the significance of the 'Dying Gaul' sculpture mentioned in the script?
-The 'Dying Gaul' is significant as it represents the pathos and emotional intensity of the battle between the Greeks and the Galatians, showcasing the dynamic and expressive qualities of Hellenistic art.
How does the script describe the viewer's experience of the Altar of Pergamon?
-The script describes the viewer's experience as immersive and emotionally engaging, with the friezes and sculptures designed to draw the observer into the narrative of the battle and the triumph of civilization.

Outlines

00:00

🏛️ Hellenistic Art and Architecture

This paragraph delves into the Hellenistic period's art and architecture, highlighting significant societal and political shifts. It emphasizes the general characteristics of Hellenistic art and language, then focuses on iconic works and famous schools, starting with Pergamon. The city of Pergamon is described as becoming rich and splendid, with important architectural developments like the Acropolis. The paragraph discusses how cities in Greece and neighboring territories were undergoing significant changes, transitioning from small autonomous states to larger Hellenistic cities characterized by vast central spaces and monumental public buildings. The script also mentions the development of theaters and libraries, which were crucial for cultural aggregation and intellectual exchange. The paragraph concludes by introducing two famous works found in the Acropolis of Pergamon, the Altar of Pergamon and the Athena temple, which are linked to a significant historical event—the victory over the Galatians.

05:03

🏛️ The Pergamon Altar and Its Significance

The second paragraph explores the Pergamon Altar in detail, discussing its construction as a celebration of victory over the Galatians, a Celtic people. The Altar, dedicated to Zeus and Athena Nikephoros, was built scenographically on the Acropolis of Pergamon. The paragraph explains the historical context of the Altar's creation and its later relocation to the Pergamon Museum in Berlin during the 19th-century archaeological rush. It describes the Altar's architectural structure, including its double portico, high frieze, and the significant 'Great Frieze' depicting the Gigantomachy, a mythological battle between gods and giants. The paragraph also discusses the artistic techniques used, such as the high relief and the dynamic, emotional representation of the figures, which were not just sculpted but also painted to enhance their expressiveness. The narrative emphasizes the Altar's importance in the context of ancient art and the artistic innovations of the Hellenistic period.

10:06

🗿 Dynamic Sculpture and Artistic Continuity

The final paragraph discusses the evolution of sculpture during the Hellenistic period, emphasizing the continuity with classical culture while introducing new expressive techniques. It highlights how artists of the time, building upon the works of Polyclitus and Praxiteles, explored more freedom in their creations, reflecting the changing context and expressive needs of the era. The paragraph touches on the development of a more circular and dynamic viewing experience, encouraging spectators to engage with the sculptures from multiple angles. It also mentions the emotional and sensual engagement aimed at the viewer, through the use of movement and the illusion of three-dimensionality. The discussion concludes by setting the stage for further analysis of Hellenistic sculpture in the next video, promising a deeper exploration of these artistic advancements.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Hellenistic Art

Hellenistic Art refers to the art and culture of the Hellenistic period, which began with the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BCE and lasted until the rise of the Roman Empire. It is characterized by a blend of Greek, Persian, and Egyptian styles and a focus on emotion and realism. In the video, Hellenistic Art is discussed in the context of significant changes in social and political landscapes, as well as the development of monumental architecture and public spaces.

💡Bergamo

Bergamo, mentioned in the script, is an ancient city that became a significant cultural center during the Hellenistic period. The city's development and the construction of monumental architecture like the acropolis are highlighted as examples of the urban transformation during this era. The script specifically mentions the Altar of Pergamon, which was built to celebrate a victory over the Galatians, reflecting the city's political and cultural importance.

💡Altar of Pergamon

The Altar of Pergamon is a famous Hellenistic monument discussed in the video. It was constructed to commemorate the victory of the Attalid dynasty of Pergamon over the Galatians, a Celtic tribe. The altar is significant for its detailed friezes that depict the battle and is an example of the dynamic and expressive art style of the Hellenistic period. The video describes its reconstruction in the Pergamon Museum in Berlin, emphasizing its importance in ancient art.

💡Freigie

Freigie, or frieze, refers to a broad, horizontal band of sculpted or painted decoration, typically found on the entablature of a building. In the context of the video, the 'Freigie maggiore' and 'Freigie minore' of the Altar of Pergamon are mentioned, which depict the Gigantomachy and the life of Telephus, respectively. These friezes are significant for their narrative and emotional content, showcasing the dynamic and expressive qualities of Hellenistic art.

💡Gigantomachy

Gigantomachy is a mythological theme depicting the battle between the gods and the giants. In the video, the Gigantomachy is highlighted as the subject of the 'Freigie maggiore' on the Altar of Pergamon. This theme is significant as it represents the victory of order (the gods) over chaos (the giants), mirroring the political and cultural triumphs of the time, such as the victory of Pergamon over the Galatians.

💡Dinamismo

Dinamismo, or dynamism, refers to the portrayal of movement and energy in art, creating a sense of action and emotion. The video describes how Hellenistic art, particularly in the Altar of Pergamon, is characterized by a strong sense of dynamism, with figures depicted in dynamic poses and active movement, reflecting the period's artistic focus on emotion and realism.

💡Pathos

Pathos refers to the emotional appeal or the ability to evoke feelings in the viewer. The video mentions how the sculptural details, such as the carving of the figures' muscles and the movement of their garments, create a strong sense of pathos. This is evident in the depiction of the Gigantomachy, where the struggle and emotion of the battle are conveyed through the figures' poses and expressions.

💡High Relief

High Relief is a sculptural technique where figures are carved so that they project significantly from the background, creating a sense of depth and three-dimensionality. The video describes the use of high relief in the Altar of Pergamon, where figures are almost fully rounded, enhancing the sense of realism and drama in the narrative scenes.

💡Pergamon Museum

The Pergamon Museum in Berlin is mentioned in the video as the location where the Altar of Pergamon is housed. The museum is significant for its collection of ancient art and architecture, including the reconstructed Altar of Pergamon, which demonstrates the importance of preserving and studying Hellenistic art and culture.

💡Hellenistic Period

The Hellenistic Period is the era following the death of Alexander the Great, characterized by the spread of Greek culture and art throughout the Mediterranean and Near East. The video discusses the transformation of cities and the development of monumental architecture during this period, reflecting the cultural and artistic changes that took place as a result of the spread of Hellenistic influence.

Highlights

The transition from the classical to the Hellenistic period in art is discussed, highlighting social and political changes.

The general characteristics of Hellenistic art and language are outlined.

The focus shifts to significant works of art, particularly famous ones, and the renowned schools of the period.

Bergamo is introduced as an important city in the Hellenistic period, with significant architectural developments.

The city's development includes monumental structures and scenic terraces, reflecting a shift from the polis to Hellenistic cities.

Public buildings become more imposing and numerous, with theaters and libraries playing a central role in cultural exchange.

The Altar of Pergamon and the Athena temple are mentioned as famous works located in the city's acropolis.

The construction of these works is linked to a significant event: the victory over the Galatians, a Celtic people.

The Altar of Pergamon is dedicated to Zeus and Athena Nikephoros, celebrating the victory over the 'barbarians'.

The altar's structure is described, including its double portico and the friezes that decorate it.

The Great Frieze depicts the Gigantomachy, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil and civilization over barbarism.

The art of the Hellenistic period is characterized by a strong dynamism and the depiction of emotions and physicality.

The use of high relief and the sculpting of the figures to almost full roundness is discussed.

The coloring of sculptures to enhance their expressiveness is mentioned.

The concept of a circular and dynamic viewing experience is introduced, contrasting with the fixed viewpoints of classical art.

The continuity between Hellenistic and classical art is emphasized, with the former building upon the latter's foundations.

The development of sculpture is discussed, with artists exploring new subjects and representations.

The importance of the Pergamon Altar in the context of ancient art and its reconstruction in the Pergamon Museum, Berlin, is highlighted.